Defense still focus for Phoenix Suns' 2nd unit

What separated the Suns from the playoff pack last season was the bench.

Five reserves comprised a unit with a distinct style and personality, giving the Suns a 10-man mix and a wave of unselfish, energetic game-changers who eased the load on veteran starters.

The Suns again turn to a five-man bench to carry the middle of each half and ride hot hands to the finish. As it was prior to last season, success off the bench this season is no sure thing - mainly due to a lack of familiarity.

When Goran Dragic runs the second unit, Hakim Warrick and Josh Childress give him a new look to handle. Now, Childress is indefinitely out with a broken right index finger, and Channing Frye feels behind with "heavy" legs and shots falling short.

"It's still more of an athletic team with Josh," reserve Jared Dudley said. "Defensively, we have the potential to be there but Channing and Warrick have to help us out, just because bigs are crucial in the NBA. It takes time and that's why chemistry is going to be huge.

" . . . We're trying to copy last year's format but in a way. We kind of can use some of it but some is new players. Hakim is not Lou (Amundson). Josh is not LB (Leandro Barbosa). We have to figure out their style into our second unit. Pushing the ball is definitely going to be a key."

Defense will remain the subs' calling card. It is not a bulky lineup, and it will be challenged on the boards. But the flip side is the expected strong transition game.

"Last year, we were great as a defensive unit," Dragic said. "If we want to have the same results or better, we have to play defense. We have bad minutes where we don't score and we have to defend."

Like the team, the bench has shot poorly even when open. Dragic has learned Warrick is quick enough to lead with a pass as Dragic did with Amar'e Stoudemire and that Childress can help on backdoor cuts reminiscent of Leandro Barbosa.

"This was the first time I felt some chemistry between us," Dragic said of Tuesday's win vs. Golden State. "That's a big improvement."

Dampier update

Phoenix is high on the list for free-agent center Erick Dampier, who is expected to pick a team before opening-night rosters are set Monday.

The Suns waived Zabian Dowdell and Dwayne Jones after Tuesday's game. The two were in roster battles with rookies Matt Janning, a guard, and Garret Siler, a center who could be affected if Dampier chose Phoenix over other suitors. The Suns have 14 players but can carry 15.

"Phoenix is certainly one of the top teams he's considering," said Dampier's agent, Dan Fegan.

Dampier is friends with former Golden State teammate and Suns guard Jason Richardson, who is also represented by Fegan. Richardson is eligible for a contract extension.

"We've had a number of preliminary discussions regarding Jason," Fegan said. "We expect to resume talks to determine a direction in the near future."

Free throws

Richardson is a tri-captain this season with Steve Nash and Grant Hill.

• The Suns remain last in the NBA preseason in point differential (-12.7 per game) and 3-point shooting (24.7 percent) and 29th in rebound differential (-8.2 per game).